SAMSUNG TRANSFORMS HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE WITH NEW TV AND AV LINE-UP

At its 2013 European Regional Forum today, Samsung Electronics reinforces its technology leadership through the introduction of a new Smart TV line-up that responds to the demands of consumers in the UK for premium design, smarter features, superior picture quality, and larger screen sizes. Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs mean people can now enjoy a more seamless, integrated and immersive entertainment viewing experience.

Samsung also today announces the expansion of its digital audio line-up with new devices that easily turn any home entertainment set-up into an optimal sound environment and feature a number of wireless connectivity enhancements.

“We are really excited about our new premium Smart TV and AV products,” said Robert King, Vice President of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland. “Every year, our customers’ expectations get higher and higher and we’re proud to be in a position to deliver exactly what they are looking for and more in terms of quality, functionality, features and sophisticated design.”

Redesigned Smart Hub for the ultimate lean-back experience

Samsung is offering its customers a simpler way to embrace the discovery of new TV content and experiences with a completely redesigned Smart Hub. The 2013 Smart Hub features newly-designed panels with personalised content, an easy-to-navigate interface and vibrant thumbnails for instant previews. Combined with Samsung’s enhanced Motion Control – which allows people to swipe, pinch to zoom, or use a flip motion to easily move between Smart Hub panels – consumers can navigate and control their TV like never before.

The new Smart Hub includes, in total, five easy-to-navigate panels:

On TV: The new landing screen on Samsung’s 2013 Smart TV – called On TV – is the world’s first TV service to analyse on-air viewing habits and offer personalised programme suggestions in real time—meaning people can enjoy a truly new TV experience

Movies and TV shows: Consumers can find personalised premium, VOD content recommendations from various subscription services from one central location

Photos, videos and music: It is possible to access personal content stored on various AllShare devices in one place

Social: Consumers can view popular video content which is shared across social channels

Apps: Downloaded Samsung Apps can be accessed and edited more easily than before

Samsung’s new S-Recommendation with Voice Interaction technology means consumers can more quickly and easily search and find content, and get recommendations based on previous viewings and user ratings. They can also now control their TV using everyday language and search for content by actor, title or genre via Samsung’s proprietary Voice Interaction technology.

Available on Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs in select European markets*, including the UK from March, S-Recommendation with Voice Interaction aggregates preferred content across various services including broadcast TV, premium VOD, apps, social content and locally-stored content from personal devices.

UHD TV—The ultimate blend of technology and craftsmanship

The stunning Timeless Gallery design of the new Samsung UHD TV S9 sets a new standard for the industry, revolutionising the conventional TV design aesthetic. The TV appears to be floating within its frame and showcases the juxtaposition of a minimalist concept with a large, 85-inch display.

Blending technology excellence with fine craftsmanship, the state-of-the-art UHD TV 85S9 offers four times the resolution available on existing Full HD displays to deliver beautiful detail, unmatched clarity and the most vivid picture quality. The TV also includes Samsung’s proprietary up-scaling engine which can up-convert HD or Full-HD to UHD-level picture quality by restoring detail information to create greater precision for real-life picture quality.

Rounding off the UHD TV S9 is an immersive audio experience to match its screen excellence, with 120-watt array speakers built seamlessly into the frame of the television.

Premium design for European consumers

This year, Samsung is significantly expanding its premium-design TV line-up for its European customers, with the new F8500 LED Smart TV taking luxury to the next level through its premium Magnum design, available for the first time. The TV’s frame and stand are crafted as a unified structure from a single piece of aluminium, also incorporating a naturally curved back made of the same material as the rest of the frame. An integrated retracting camera subtly complements the overall design.

The F8500’s premium design does not compromise on picture quality or performance. As a world first, its Intelligent Viewing feature automatically adjusts picture quality in accordance with the content displayed. Along with the F7000 and F8000, the F8500 is also among Samsung’s first line of Smart TVs equipped with a quad-core processor—making it even easier for consumers to toggle between apps, online services and on-air TV.

Rounding off Samsung’s premium LED line-up for 2013 is the stunning F6200 Smart LED TV, the F6400 Smart & 3D LED TV; the F6500, F6510 and F6800 Series, offering the same feature set in three design choices; and finally the F7000 & F8000, featuring ultra-slim bezels and stunning designs.

Samsung Evolution Kit—delivering Smart TV feature updates

Samsung is delivering on its promise to offer its customers a way to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Available on Series 7, 8 and 9 2012 Smart TVs, the Evolution Kit offers both software and hardware updates that include access to the 2013 Smart Hub and other Smart features, and transforms the set’s dual-core CPU to quad-core, resulting in faster internal processing speeds. Samsung’s flagship 2013 Smart TVs will also be equipped with slots for future Evolution kits.

Samsung’s HW-F751 Soundbar meets consumer demand for powerful performance and natural sound, thanks to the world’s first integration of a Valve Amplifier. It is also the world’s first to connect with a TV wirelessly, and to double as a wireless speaker for a smartphones or tablets. Available in silver or black, with slim metal design and separate, wireless subwoofer to complement the premium design of any Samsung Smart TV.

Additionally, Samsung’s DA-F61 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker provides first-class sound quality and a sleek, premium form factor at home or on the go. The speaker also features built-in technology for a smoother, more transparent listening experience, one touch simple pairing for Smartphones – using NFC, and SoundShare, which means people can stream audio from select Samsung Smart TVs to the speaker without wires.

UK availability

Samsung’s 2013 TV and AV line-up will be available to buy in the UK from high street, online and out-of-town retailers in the first half of 2013. Pricing is subject to individual retailers.

Chris "MUG5" Maguire is a multimedia futurist that specializes in all things multimedia. From Record Production to Film Making Chris has worked with hi-end clients the world over. Chris is the Editor in Chief of both KingLoaf.com & Altsounds.com